The fabulous Medha Murtagh of 'Great Things' - https://greatthings.substack.com - has sent me a cartoon of my squirrel encounter, which I've added to my post for you to enjoy.
The precious sighting of a red squirrels. I always took them for granted growing up in Southern Germany. When we were in Canada I was fascinated by black squirrels, they are so cheeky and look so odd. And of course the tame chipmunks at the house of friend’s grandparents. He trained them each year to come for peanuts
I love the sound of black squirrels - and chipmunks! I've met the latter, but not the former. It's funny, I never came across squirrels in Germany, but apart from a couple of very brief stays near the Swiss border I spent most of my time there in big urban areas, so I guess that explains it! If I ever go back I'll keep my eyes peeled for the Eichhörnchen! 😊
I wish we had red squirrels in Carolina, but it's greys all the way. Too, too many of them. Your post has inspired me to write one on our bold, marauding greys, Rebecca. A wonderful story from your trip to the island.
It’s funny you posted about this, because very recently my partner and I were discussing red squirrels and grey squirrels. We’d only ever seen red ones growing up, and the greys seemed to be a sudden incursion. So we looked it up and we think they just expanded their range a bit north to find us. Where I live, there are tons of squirrels both red and grey, many of which live in my backyard without any encouragement or bird feeders from me! Shortly after I moved here, I heard something running about, and was kind of freaked out - what if it was a mouse? Which seemed silly, since I live in an attic apartment. After gathering my wits and glasses, I walked around the whole place, and then finally poked my nose out the window. Three grey squirrels were racing each other all over the roof of the house!
I think it's so humbling when we get to see the precious living things in the world - in the wild. The reds are beautiful and it's good to see that there are pockets - islands and such - where the populations can be protected and can grow.
I'm assuming that Squirrel Nutkin was a red squirrel? He certainly looks it in my very aged edition of the story. You mentioned your grandmother's sympathetic garden in the Lake District and of course I immediately thought of Beatrix Potter.
Thank you, Prue! Yes, we're so fortunate that these things are out there for us to enjoy. The other island off the south coast of England where you can see red squirrels (although I didn't see any on a visit a few years ago) is Brownsea Island, which is a tiny chunk of land in Poole Harbour. I'd love to spend another day there with my binoculars and bird book - I remember the birds were wonderful.
Yes, Squirrel Nutkin was a red squirrel - Potter also wrote 'The Tale of Timmy Tip-toes', and Timmy was a grey. Lovely that she took care to feature both species! I've always loved Beatrix Potter - I remember going to Hilltop, her house in the Lake District, which is open to visitors thanks to the National Trust.
Beautiful photos! Mostly gray squirrels here in the NE United States, but we do get the occasional black squirrels. Bless the Victorians, they couldn't leave well enough alone.
Ooooh, black squirrels - I'm learning so much today!
A few years ago we spotted an albino squirrel a few miles from here - it was absolutely beautiful. And yes, those Victorians - their young men's rite of passage the 'Grand Tour' has a lot to answer for....! 🤷♀️
Depending on where you live in the US, gray squirrel is considered a delicacy. Maybe something for the farm-to-table crowd to consider to help with population control.
Great story Rebecca! I’ve only seen the red squirrels 🐿️ from a distance, and you had them literally eating out of your hand!! I’m very impressed! Of course the greys are what I grew up with and they do have a deserved reputation for being a bully. Although I’ve always secretly admired their gutsy behaviour....You’ve done a wonderful job capturing all those wildland behaviours we cherish. Thanks for another treat!
Thanks so much, Sabrina! We couldn't believe how very unafraid the squirrels were - it was amazing. It was at Alverstone that we saw them - it's a great place for a walk and to watch the birds (and squirrels) - have a look next time you're that way (I LOVE that you live on the Isle of Wight!). 😊
You have chipmunks, though! Are they simply cute, or a scourge in their own right? 🤔 I thought they were the best thing about my trip to NYC when I was little! I mentioned them in this post, actually: https://rebeccaholden.substack.com/p/19-lost-in-space-aged-eight
Chipmunks are 100% adorable! My only complaint is that I don't see enough of them in the city. And thanks for sharing this! You posted it before I was on Substack.
🤣 I only realised this morning that what I'd thought was a squirrel emoji actually shows an animal with stripes - so I reckon THAT'S a chipmunk, not a squirrel! 🐿️
Mar 18, 2023·edited Mar 18, 2023Liked by Rebecca Holden
My personal battle against grey squirrels has been one of the defining conflicts of my adult life. (Another sign of privilege, I know.) It has been a daily parry and thrust of positioning the bird feeders just so, and aligning those strategic locations with my many anti-squirrel defenses (baffles, cages, tricky perches that won’t hold a squirrel’s weight, food they don’t like). Often I’ll step out into the back porch to adjust the ramparts while a grey berates me from the rooftop. Squirrel exclusion requires constant vigilance! But they’re allowed to feed off the ground under the feeders. I’m not heartless.
I can't believe how cheeky they are, and devious in their attempts to get at the food! I remember a brilliant video (remember the days of VHS?!) of grey squirrels that had been filmed solving problems in order to get a food reward - it was like a complicated assault course with a load of different puzzles they had to get to, built up in stages so they could learn as they went along - it was hilarious! There's probably something like that on YouTube right now - I must have a look!
I live in the U.S., so it was fascinating to learn about and see photos of red squirrels. I also didn't realize the grey squirrels here were an invasive species there. Plenty of people here don't like squirrels because they eat from bird feeders, but I have fun watching squirrels chase each other, eat, and bury or dig up nuts at the park.
I remember a visit to NYC when I was a child, and I was OBSESSED by the chipmunks in Central Park - they looked like furry humbugs (I don't know if you have humbugs over there, but they're a type of striped candy). I've since wondered whether anyone had ever tried to introduce them over here! I'd probably know about it if they had - they'd be joining our grey squirrels in their neverending fight for bird food....
Yes, I think squirrels are very entertaining to watch and I have fun taking photos of them with my iPhone. We don't have humbugs here, so I'm glad you explained what they are!
The church I attended when I lived on Maui took its youth group to a national gathering somewhere in the continental United States. Some of the kids had never traveled outside of Hawaii, which does not have squirrels. Those kids were so excited to see and photograph squirrels!
I don't really travel these days, but would love to see wildlife in other places - cardinals in the US, or fantails in Australia. I went on safari once in my early twenties and that was absolutely mind-blowing - I had had no idea how beautifully graceful giraffes were until I saw them in the wild. Phenomenal.
I’ve only seen giraffes at zoos and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but I did get to hand feed some lettuce to one at a zoo. They have unbelievably long tongues!
Someone in our neighborhood feeds the gray squirrels peanuts in the shell. They immediately run to MY yard ( why why why?) to dig up a flower pot and bury their treasure. Then they come back every day to dig up the pot again to make sure the nut is still there. Every day I find a ripped out geranium or viola lying on the gravel path and have to repot it. They are so bold, they run back and forth along my porch railing as if to taunt me. Oh, who cares! There is room for all of us. Thanks so much for the sweetest story ever and inspiring photos, Rebecca
They're so wily, aren't they, Sharron? I don't know whether to admire or detest them for their destructive nature and their devil-may-care attitude! I'm so glad you enjoyed reading this post - thank you so much!
Aw, your red squirrels are adorable! I love both varieties, but I never realized we have a red squirrel here in NY until recently because they’re also somewhat rare, but I’ve been seeing them around more lately which I take as a good sign. (We also have flying squirrels, but I haven’t been lucky enough to see them in the wild yet :-)
Loved reading about your encounters! The birdsong clip was simply beautiful and soothing and now I’m trying to figure out how to download and loop it for my nap.🤣 The photos of your red squirrels were fascinating to me because of those furry ears--so odd, yet adorable! We have mostly greys here, but for the last couple of years we’ve seen a “blonde” one (I have no idea why it is this color) and a grey one with a blonde tail. We’ve wondered if someone opened a beauty salon for vermin around here. While I enjoy watching their behavior, I don’t want any squirrel getting too close. To me they are rats with bushy tails!
Thanks, Holly! I'm so glad you enjoyed the sound clip - those two robins were having quite the conversation! I could've listened to them for hours!
Those fluffy ears are so cute, aren't they? Over here in the 1970s there was a child road safety video on TV, where a character 'Tufty' the squirrel - presumably named for his ears - would demonstrate how to cross the road. He was the mascot of RoSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents). https://www.rospa.com/about-us/history/tufty
I love the sound of a blonde squirrel - and you've made me giggle, imagining a beauty salon for vermin!
Lots of people call grey squirrels 'tree rats' over here - I'm inclined to agree. I don't feel like that about the red ones, though!
I’m new here. Just wanted to thank you for an enjoyable read. So cold over there! I’m in Australia where there are no squirrels or chipmunks but plenty of birds thankfully. And lots of lovely warm weather. (Although today’s predicted top of 36 degrees C is probably a tad too warm.). Hugs from afar. 🤗🤗😘
Hi Beth, and welcome - thank you so much for reading! Yes, it's still pretty chilly - although you'd think from the pictures of me in gloves, hat and several coats that it's about minus 10 - it's actually not - I just feel the cold! Spring is in the air though!
Great post Rebecca! I enjoyed the photos and the birdsong clip.
Here in Florida we have the Eastern gray squirrel. They can be fascinating creatures. A few times I've just sat and watched them for a long time. It's peaceful. You wonder what they are thinking.
I'm surprised the one squirrel came so close to you but then again, I'm not surprised. As you said, they are used to humans.
Where I currently live, there is a small preserve with trees. The surrounding area has some sidewalks with trees. The squirrels are always on the grass foraging for food. When I walk down the sidewalk, sometimes they are on the sidewalk and they don't move and I have to come to a complete stop. I have to admit that I talk to them. I'm not crazy, by the way. But just to tell them, "Are you going to move?" or "Come on move."
When I had my house, a squirrel was particularly smart on how to get into the bird feeder to get the food. Even when I put it onto a metal rod that was in the ground and away from a tree, he ran up the branches of the tree and leaped to the feeder.
Oh gosh, have I got a treat for you?! 🥳
The fabulous Medha Murtagh of 'Great Things' - https://greatthings.substack.com - has sent me a cartoon of my squirrel encounter, which I've added to my post for you to enjoy.
Thank you, Medha - I'm beyond thrilled! ♥️⭐️🐿️⭐️♥️
The precious sighting of a red squirrels. I always took them for granted growing up in Southern Germany. When we were in Canada I was fascinated by black squirrels, they are so cheeky and look so odd. And of course the tame chipmunks at the house of friend’s grandparents. He trained them each year to come for peanuts
I love the sound of black squirrels - and chipmunks! I've met the latter, but not the former. It's funny, I never came across squirrels in Germany, but apart from a couple of very brief stays near the Swiss border I spent most of my time there in big urban areas, so I guess that explains it! If I ever go back I'll keep my eyes peeled for the Eichhörnchen! 😊
I wish we had red squirrels in Carolina, but it's greys all the way. Too, too many of them. Your post has inspired me to write one on our bold, marauding greys, Rebecca. A wonderful story from your trip to the island.
Thanks so much, Mark - I'm already looking forward to reading your post about greys!
It’s funny you posted about this, because very recently my partner and I were discussing red squirrels and grey squirrels. We’d only ever seen red ones growing up, and the greys seemed to be a sudden incursion. So we looked it up and we think they just expanded their range a bit north to find us. Where I live, there are tons of squirrels both red and grey, many of which live in my backyard without any encouragement or bird feeders from me! Shortly after I moved here, I heard something running about, and was kind of freaked out - what if it was a mouse? Which seemed silly, since I live in an attic apartment. After gathering my wits and glasses, I walked around the whole place, and then finally poked my nose out the window. Three grey squirrels were racing each other all over the roof of the house!
Gosh, Alison, it's great to learn that the populations of reds and greys in your neck of the woods are in equilibrium - that's really cool.
Rather unnerving to have them running all over the roof, though - I'm not sure I'd like that every much! 🤣
I think it's so humbling when we get to see the precious living things in the world - in the wild. The reds are beautiful and it's good to see that there are pockets - islands and such - where the populations can be protected and can grow.
I'm assuming that Squirrel Nutkin was a red squirrel? He certainly looks it in my very aged edition of the story. You mentioned your grandmother's sympathetic garden in the Lake District and of course I immediately thought of Beatrix Potter.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Thank you, Prue! Yes, we're so fortunate that these things are out there for us to enjoy. The other island off the south coast of England where you can see red squirrels (although I didn't see any on a visit a few years ago) is Brownsea Island, which is a tiny chunk of land in Poole Harbour. I'd love to spend another day there with my binoculars and bird book - I remember the birds were wonderful.
Yes, Squirrel Nutkin was a red squirrel - Potter also wrote 'The Tale of Timmy Tip-toes', and Timmy was a grey. Lovely that she took care to feature both species! I've always loved Beatrix Potter - I remember going to Hilltop, her house in the Lake District, which is open to visitors thanks to the National Trust.
Beautiful photos! Mostly gray squirrels here in the NE United States, but we do get the occasional black squirrels. Bless the Victorians, they couldn't leave well enough alone.
Ooooh, black squirrels - I'm learning so much today!
A few years ago we spotted an albino squirrel a few miles from here - it was absolutely beautiful. And yes, those Victorians - their young men's rite of passage the 'Grand Tour' has a lot to answer for....! 🤷♀️
Depending on where you live in the US, gray squirrel is considered a delicacy. Maybe something for the farm-to-table crowd to consider to help with population control.
Now, there's a thought!
Great story Rebecca! I’ve only seen the red squirrels 🐿️ from a distance, and you had them literally eating out of your hand!! I’m very impressed! Of course the greys are what I grew up with and they do have a deserved reputation for being a bully. Although I’ve always secretly admired their gutsy behaviour....You’ve done a wonderful job capturing all those wildland behaviours we cherish. Thanks for another treat!
Thanks so much, Sabrina! We couldn't believe how very unafraid the squirrels were - it was amazing. It was at Alverstone that we saw them - it's a great place for a walk and to watch the birds (and squirrels) - have a look next time you're that way (I LOVE that you live on the Isle of Wight!). 😊
Oh, I wish we had red squirrels in Ny! The gray ones feel like an invasive species here too!
You have chipmunks, though! Are they simply cute, or a scourge in their own right? 🤔 I thought they were the best thing about my trip to NYC when I was little! I mentioned them in this post, actually: https://rebeccaholden.substack.com/p/19-lost-in-space-aged-eight
Chipmunks are 100% adorable! My only complaint is that I don't see enough of them in the city. And thanks for sharing this! You posted it before I was on Substack.
😊
Hahaha. Reading this conversation that made me realise that in my head chipmunks and squirrels were the same thing! I sit corrected!
🤣 I only realised this morning that what I'd thought was a squirrel emoji actually shows an animal with stripes - so I reckon THAT'S a chipmunk, not a squirrel! 🐿️
Definitely a chipmunk! So cute!
My personal battle against grey squirrels has been one of the defining conflicts of my adult life. (Another sign of privilege, I know.) It has been a daily parry and thrust of positioning the bird feeders just so, and aligning those strategic locations with my many anti-squirrel defenses (baffles, cages, tricky perches that won’t hold a squirrel’s weight, food they don’t like). Often I’ll step out into the back porch to adjust the ramparts while a grey berates me from the rooftop. Squirrel exclusion requires constant vigilance! But they’re allowed to feed off the ground under the feeders. I’m not heartless.
I can't believe how cheeky they are, and devious in their attempts to get at the food! I remember a brilliant video (remember the days of VHS?!) of grey squirrels that had been filmed solving problems in order to get a food reward - it was like a complicated assault course with a load of different puzzles they had to get to, built up in stages so they could learn as they went along - it was hilarious! There's probably something like that on YouTube right now - I must have a look!
I saw that one! Made my blood boil.
yup, I’ll confess to a little gray squirrel watching myself ... and to trying to foil them from getting after the bird seed, the little bastards
🤣
I live in the U.S., so it was fascinating to learn about and see photos of red squirrels. I also didn't realize the grey squirrels here were an invasive species there. Plenty of people here don't like squirrels because they eat from bird feeders, but I have fun watching squirrels chase each other, eat, and bury or dig up nuts at the park.
They're quite entertaining to watch, aren't they?
I remember a visit to NYC when I was a child, and I was OBSESSED by the chipmunks in Central Park - they looked like furry humbugs (I don't know if you have humbugs over there, but they're a type of striped candy). I've since wondered whether anyone had ever tried to introduce them over here! I'd probably know about it if they had - they'd be joining our grey squirrels in their neverending fight for bird food....
Yes, I think squirrels are very entertaining to watch and I have fun taking photos of them with my iPhone. We don't have humbugs here, so I'm glad you explained what they are!
The church I attended when I lived on Maui took its youth group to a national gathering somewhere in the continental United States. Some of the kids had never traveled outside of Hawaii, which does not have squirrels. Those kids were so excited to see and photograph squirrels!
That's so lovely, Wendi!
I don't really travel these days, but would love to see wildlife in other places - cardinals in the US, or fantails in Australia. I went on safari once in my early twenties and that was absolutely mind-blowing - I had had no idea how beautifully graceful giraffes were until I saw them in the wild. Phenomenal.
I’ve only seen giraffes at zoos and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but I did get to hand feed some lettuce to one at a zoo. They have unbelievably long tongues!
YES they do! 🤣
Someone in our neighborhood feeds the gray squirrels peanuts in the shell. They immediately run to MY yard ( why why why?) to dig up a flower pot and bury their treasure. Then they come back every day to dig up the pot again to make sure the nut is still there. Every day I find a ripped out geranium or viola lying on the gravel path and have to repot it. They are so bold, they run back and forth along my porch railing as if to taunt me. Oh, who cares! There is room for all of us. Thanks so much for the sweetest story ever and inspiring photos, Rebecca
They're so wily, aren't they, Sharron? I don't know whether to admire or detest them for their destructive nature and their devil-may-care attitude! I'm so glad you enjoyed reading this post - thank you so much!
Aw, your red squirrels are adorable! I love both varieties, but I never realized we have a red squirrel here in NY until recently because they’re also somewhat rare, but I’ve been seeing them around more lately which I take as a good sign. (We also have flying squirrels, but I haven’t been lucky enough to see them in the wild yet :-)
Oh great - I'm so glad you've got red squirrels there too! And FLYING squirrels?! Blimey - they sound amazing!!!! *hits Google immediately*
Loved reading about your encounters! The birdsong clip was simply beautiful and soothing and now I’m trying to figure out how to download and loop it for my nap.🤣 The photos of your red squirrels were fascinating to me because of those furry ears--so odd, yet adorable! We have mostly greys here, but for the last couple of years we’ve seen a “blonde” one (I have no idea why it is this color) and a grey one with a blonde tail. We’ve wondered if someone opened a beauty salon for vermin around here. While I enjoy watching their behavior, I don’t want any squirrel getting too close. To me they are rats with bushy tails!
Thanks, Holly! I'm so glad you enjoyed the sound clip - those two robins were having quite the conversation! I could've listened to them for hours!
Those fluffy ears are so cute, aren't they? Over here in the 1970s there was a child road safety video on TV, where a character 'Tufty' the squirrel - presumably named for his ears - would demonstrate how to cross the road. He was the mascot of RoSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents). https://www.rospa.com/about-us/history/tufty
I love the sound of a blonde squirrel - and you've made me giggle, imagining a beauty salon for vermin!
Lots of people call grey squirrels 'tree rats' over here - I'm inclined to agree. I don't feel like that about the red ones, though!
The red ones are completely different, aren’t they? Though I think they got the Latin names switched. “Vulgaris” should definitely be the grey ones.
Glad I could return the giggle as you made me laugh out loud like an adolescent when I read about the “great tits!”
🤣 I felt I owed my readership that clarifying footnote! I could imagine people muttering 'SO RUDE!!!!' if I hadn't put an explanation in there......!
🤣
🤣
How can you call a sweet thing like a squirrel a rat? For once I have to disagree with you. Who thought that would ever happen? 🤣
😉
It's cos they look cute! The way they act, and the big bushy tail. And unlike rats they don't make you feel sick
I remember somebody saying once that squirrels are rats with better PR.....! I'm not entirely sure I agree, to be honest!
I’m new here. Just wanted to thank you for an enjoyable read. So cold over there! I’m in Australia where there are no squirrels or chipmunks but plenty of birds thankfully. And lots of lovely warm weather. (Although today’s predicted top of 36 degrees C is probably a tad too warm.). Hugs from afar. 🤗🤗😘
Hi Beth, and welcome - thank you so much for reading! Yes, it's still pretty chilly - although you'd think from the pictures of me in gloves, hat and several coats that it's about minus 10 - it's actually not - I just feel the cold! Spring is in the air though!
Hugs right back atcha!!!!
Great post Rebecca! I enjoyed the photos and the birdsong clip.
Here in Florida we have the Eastern gray squirrel. They can be fascinating creatures. A few times I've just sat and watched them for a long time. It's peaceful. You wonder what they are thinking.
I'm surprised the one squirrel came so close to you but then again, I'm not surprised. As you said, they are used to humans.
Where I currently live, there is a small preserve with trees. The surrounding area has some sidewalks with trees. The squirrels are always on the grass foraging for food. When I walk down the sidewalk, sometimes they are on the sidewalk and they don't move and I have to come to a complete stop. I have to admit that I talk to them. I'm not crazy, by the way. But just to tell them, "Are you going to move?" or "Come on move."
When I had my house, a squirrel was particularly smart on how to get into the bird feeder to get the food. Even when I put it onto a metal rod that was in the ground and away from a tree, he ran up the branches of the tree and leaped to the feeder.
Thank you so much for your comment, Matt! They're fun to watch, aren't they? And like you I wonder what they're thinking!
And they're clever little so-and-sos to be able to bypass all our attempts to get them to stay off our bird feeders.....!